Why Your Child Should Have Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

You’re probably here because your little ones need braces. Or, maybe they need something for their smile. You’re just not quite sure what. If you’re a parent seeking the best start for your child’s smile, your search results might have presented you with “two-phase orthodontic treatment.” Grubaugh Orthodontics can simplify that for you so that you can pursue the best possible outcome for your child’s smile. Our practice has served the Lansing and Dewitt communities with dedication and compassion. Dr. Grubaugh’s two-phase orthodontic treatment, consisting of two distinct phases with a break in between, offers unique advantages in ensuring your child’s teeth, jaws, and facial aesthetics are properly aligned. 

How We Define Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that consists of a child receiving orthodontic treatment at two separate times, with a break in between each phase. It can be crucial in giving your child the best start for a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. 

The goals of two-phase treatment are:

1. To improve the working relationship between the teeth and jaws.
2. To align the teeth, resulting in a straighter smile.
3. To position the teeth and jaws for ideal facial symmetry and aesthetics.

How Does A Child Become Eligible For Two-Phase Treatment

Once Dr. Grubaugh thoroughly examines your child’s mouth, he may recommend two-phase treatment to help create a better environment for the permanent teeth to erupt. 

Phase 1 may be recommended if:

1. Your child appears prone to a particular problem that we want to prevent from developing.
2. Your child has an emerging problem we want to intercept. 
3. Your child needs guidance in the growth of the jaw bones that support the teeth. 

Timing the first phase of orthodontic treatment according to the natural stages of dental development allows us to take advantage of your child’s growth. This head start gives us the greatest ability to correct any existing or suspected orthodontic issues early. 

Dr. Grubaugh can quickly treat many common dental problems in a growing child. Early treatment can achieve lasting results for some issues and lessen the impact of others. Even so, some patients will require a second phase of treatment to complete the work that phase one started.

What Happens In Each Phase? 

To fully understand how two-phase treatment works at Grubaugh Orthodontics and could benefit your child, it is vital to understand the details of each phase and what goes on in the resting period between them. 

Phase One

Our team usually initiates phase one treatment to help your child’s jaw develop in a way that will help your child’s permanent teeth. It can also improve the way their upper and lower jaws are set when closed.

This treatment method benefits children in several ways, including an improved ability to bite, chew, and digest food more effectively. It can reduce the risk of damage or injury to the teeth due to crowding, misalignment, or malformed jaws. Many of our patients in this age group report social benefits too! They mention increased self-esteem and confidence, which is essential at any age, particularly in our younger patients! 

First-phase treatment at Grubaugh Orthodontics contributes to longer-term stability, with the teeth staying in whatever position they move to. The second phase of treatment will continue that trend by moving the teeth into their final desired positions, but before starting this phase, your child will have a rest period. 

Resting Period

Like we learned from our furry friend Daniel Tiger, “Rest is best.” A successful first phase of treatment creates room for your child’s remaining permanent teeth to have a clear path to erupt. These teeth need some freedom of movement as this occurs. We often avoid using retainers or fixed appliances during this time; at most, use them sparingly, expecting things to move a little as the teeth and mouth develop. 

Your child should maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine to prevent cavities and tooth decay during this time. When they’re accustomed to caring for their smiles before starting phase two, it’ll be much easier for them to adjust to caring for braces or aligners. 

Phase Two

Dr. Grubaugh’s treatment sets your child up for healthy growth and development during the first phase. This leads to Phase 2, which is when the doctor establishes a diagnosis and a customized treatment plan for your child.

The second phase is where everything starts to come together! We will generally begin this phase once all (or most) of your child’s permanent teeth erupt. Your child will likely wear braces or clear aligners during this time, and once treatment is complete, retainers will be necessary to keep their newly straightened smile in place. 

If you decide to proceed with two-phase treatment once you have discussed it with Dr. Grubaugh, you can help make the most of it by helping your child: 

• Follow our recommendations for maintenance and care.
• Keep their appliances, teeth, and gums clean by encouraging an excellent dental hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day.
• Keep scheduled appointments with our office so we can closely monitor their progress.
• Visit their regular dentist every 4-6 months for a checkup and cleaning.
• Avoid any foods that can damage their appliance.
• Maintain a healthy diet.

Two-Phase Treatment With Dr. Grubaugh

At Grubaugh Orthodontics, we believe in providing comprehensive and personalized orthodontic care to give your child the best possible smile. Dr. Grubaugh and our incredible team in Lansing and Dewitt are committed to guiding your child through the transformative journey of two-phase orthodontic treatment. We invite you to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Grubaugh to explore how two-phase orthodontic treatment can benefit your child. Our knowledgeable team will assess your child’s unique needs and provide a treatment plan for their long-term oral health. Go here to schedule a free consultation.

Posted by Dr. Grubaugh